CIVIL engineering projects from across the UK are taking part in a special campaign over the next fortnight, to show the public the positive impact civil engineering has on their lives and show policymakers of all parties why they should continue to invest in infrastructure.
Up to 20 projects will be raising huge “This is Civil Engineering” banners on their sites as part of the Institution of Civil Engineers’ (ICE) awareness campaign. The banners not only tell the public what civil engineering is, but also make a link between the work taking place and how it will benefit the local community. Many other civil engineering projects will also be taking part in the campaign and highlighting their benefits via social media forums such as Twitter and Instagram.
The “This is Civil Engineering” initiative forms part of ICE’s wider Commit to Infrastructure General Election campaign, and the leading engineering body is hoping it will serve as a reminder to all political parties that long term investment in infrastructure improves quality of life for the public, regenerates communities and creates jobs.
ICE Director General, Nick Baveystock, said, “Civil engineering forms the backbone of our communities. It protects us from flooding, ensures we have clean drinking water, finds clever ways to recycle and reuse our rubbish and provides us with the roads, railways, ports and airports that keep us on the move and connect us with others. It quite literally shapes the world in which we live.
“It is fantastic to see such a wide range of projects from right across the country getting involved in this campaign and helping to really shine a light on civil engineering and how it benefits us all.
“Of course the campaign also comes at a critical point in the electoral calendar, and we hope it will help to demonstrate to parties across the political spectrum, just how vital it is that infrastructure remains a central plank of their plans for growth and prosperity.”
Projects flying “This is Civil Engineering” banners over the launch fortnight include:
· The QueensFerry Crossing project which forms the centerpiece of a major upgrade to the important cross-Forth transport corridor in the east of Scotland.
· The £45m flood alleviation scheme in Leeds city centre to protect homes and businesses
· The Chelsea River Bridge project in London to refurbish and strengthen the bridge
· The M54 project in Telford to remove and replace safety features, improve drainage and make the road surface quieter
· The Morfa Distributor Road upgrade in Swansea to reduce congestion and improve cycling links
· The Waterfront Hall expansion project in Belfast which is set to create 220 jobs during construction and contribute around £45m to the local economy each year
· The Heysham to M6 Link Road (inc. footpath and cycle way) in Lancashire, which will ease congestion in the city centre and provide a new park and ride scheme
· The Victoria Station Upgrade project in London which will result in less congestion, step-free access and quicker journeys in and out of the station
